THE Iloilo Provincial Government has tapped all private hospitals in Iloilo City to cater to dengue patients from the province.
Governor Arthur Defensor Jr. met with administrators and directors of all private hospitals in Iloilo City Friday, July 12, to seek help relative to the swarming of dengue patients in the district and provincial hospitals.
Those in attendance were Sr. Arcelita Sarnillo and Dr. Henry Gonzales of St. Paul’s Hospital; Dr. Elmer Pedregosa of Iloilo Mission Hospital; Dr. Ludovico Jurao and Elmie Jude Labarejos of Iloilo Doctor’s Hospital; Edwin Magsino, Dr. James Woo and Argie Arenga of QualiMed Hospital-Iloilo; Dr. Danilo Encarnacion and Dr. Ray Alindong of Metro Iloilo Hospital and Medical Center; Joaquin Sapul Jr. of The Medical City-Iloilo; and Johnny Tolentino and Mark Lester Opiña of Medicus Medical Center.
Defensor said the private hospitals responded positively to his appeal.
“They are willing to accommodate the patients in case there is a spill-over. And in case of emergency, they are willing to expand (their capacity),” he said.
The governor assured that the indigent patients will be covered by Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth). The Provincial Government and National Government can also subsidize other charges not covered by PhilHealth.
As of 8 a.m. Friday, July 12, 851 dengue patients have already been admitted in the 12 province-run hospitals, higher that their total bed capacity of 615.
Private rooms were converted to wards just to accommodate more patients.
“And we are expecting the cases to rise next week,” Defensor said.
Meanwhile, the Province has requested for tents from the Philippine National Red Cross to be put up in hospitals. More nurses and doctors will also be added to cater to the influx of patients.
The province also continuously receives folding beds donated by private partners.
On July 9, Tommy Que of Iloilo Supermart donated 90 folding beds, while Metro Iloilo Bulk Water turned over 50 folding beds to Defensor Friday, July 12.
Metro Iloilo Bulk Water also pledged to donate four tents to the province.
Last July 5, Defensor issued an executive order placing the entire province under a dengue outbreak. (PR)